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P4d: Ultrasound

The concept of medical physics runs through this item. Ultrasound is an important medical diagnostic and therapeutic tool. This item looks at the properties of longitudinal waves, and investigates some of the medical uses of ultrasound.

Some of the ultrasound is reflected at each boundary between different tissues or organs. The depth of each layer is calculated using the time taken for each reflected wave to return.

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How are ultrasounds used in the breaking down of kidney stones?

A high powered ultrasound wave is used to break down kidney stones and other stones in the body. The stones vibrate until they shake themselves apart and are then easily passed out of the body via the urethra.

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What are the reasons for using ultrasound rather than X-rays for certain scans?

Able to produce images of soft tissue, and doesn't damage living cells.